De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

Operator:

Registration:

VH-BSL

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Training

Survivors:

Site:

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

Schedule:

Bundaberg - Bundaberg

MSN:

1618

YOM:

1966

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

The aircraft reported departing Bundaberg for Monduran Dam on a no SAR flight at 1135 hrs EST with three persons on board and an endurance of 270 minutes. The purpose of the flight was to complete the endorsement of the pilot under check and to assess the suitability of an area of water on the coast to where the passenger, who was the regular pilot of the aircraft, was to fly the aircraft the following day. The pilot in command had flown 27 hours in the previous three months, of which 9 were on type. The pilot under check had flown only one hour in the last three months. This flight had been in VH-BSL. At approximately 1200 hrs, the aircraft was observed in the Lake Monduran area. It flew two left hand circuits, landing into wind towards the dam wall each time. After the second takeoff, it turned left and was seen heading north from the lake. Nothing further was heard or seen of the aircraft. Following an extensive search, the wreckage was located six days later lying inverted in 15 metres of water approximately 2 km WNW of the dam wall in the area of the junction of the main east-west channel and a northsouth channel of the lake. Both floats had separated from the aircraft and the right float was severely torn for about half its length. There was substantial water impact damage to the windshield frame/cockpit roof area and to the upper leading edge surfaces of both wings.

Probable cause:

No fault was found with the aircraft or its systems which might have contributed to the accident. It could not be determined who was manipulating the controls of the aircraft at the time of the accident. Evidence was obtained that it was the habit of the check pilot to have pilots undergoing endorsement or check to fly two circuits landing into wind and then to carry out crosswind landings. The check pilot and the pilot under check had previously operated at the dam and alighted on to both the east/west and the north/south channels. Having been observed to fly two into wind circuits and then head north and not be sighted again, it is possible that the aircraft then commenced crosswind operations onto the north/south arm of the lake, landing in a southerly direction with a crosswind from the left. Information from the Bureau of Meteorology indicated that the surface wind in the area at the time of the accident was 090` magnetic at 15 knots. This information was confirmed by witnesses at the dam wall who observed white caps on the surface of the dam. The north/south channel of the lake was bounded on its east side by steep hills rising to 70 metres above water level. The effect of this high ground was to partially blanket the north/south channel from the easterly wind. The position of the wreckage was in the area where the wind shadow effect would have ended and where the wind would have blown at full strength along the main east/west channel of the lake. The crosswind limitation for the aircraft as stated in the flight manual was 8.7 knots. Commenting in early 1988 on an enquiry regarding the raising of this limit, the aircraft manufacturer emphasised the 8.7 knot limit and advised that any test work to raise the limit should proceed cautiously starting at or below the current (8.7 knot) limit. If the aircraft was conducting crosswind operations in the north/south channel, and suddenly encountered a 15 knot crosswind on exiting the wind shadow area, the control difficulties confronting the pilot could have been significant. The aircraft wreckage was intact except for the floats which had been torn off by water impact forces. The right float was severely damaged while the left was intact. The forward tip of the right float had been severed by the propeller. The remaining forward section had then been forced upwards and outboard and had broken off. This weakened the float support structure, causing it to fail, and allowing the remaining section of the right float to strike the right side of the fuselage just aft of the cabin. Damage of this type an magnitude was most probably caused by the nose of the right float digging into the surface of the lake at relatively high speed. For this to occur, the aircraft was banked to the right at float impact - a possible consequence of encountering a strong crosswind from the left. There was no evidence that the aircraft had hit a submerged object. The factors associated with the development of this accident could not be determined.

Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Nandawar: 1 killed

Date & Time: Oct 31, 1988 at 0824 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Clarry McCarthy

Registration:

VH-AAK

Flight Phase:

Flight

Flight Type:

Spraying (Agricultural)

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

Schedule:

Nandawar - Nandawar

MSN:

137

YOM:

1951

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

The pilot had been conducting superphosphate spreading operations in the area two days prior to the accident and had completed approximately 60 trips during that operation. On the morning of the accident, he had just completed the sixth load when the outboard section of the right wing struck powerlines. The right wing was torn from its attachment points and separated from the aircraft. The aircraft then impacted the ground in a steep nose down attitude and came to rest 169 metres from the powerlines.

Probable cause:

A detailed examination of the aircraft and its systems failed to reveal any defect which could have contributed to the accident. The engine was operating at high power at the time of the impact. It is probable that the pilot forgot about the presence of the powerlines. It was noted that the pilot was not wearing a shoulder harness and that an unapproved modification had been made to the lap harness. The toggle fitted to the lap harness was a type approved for 9 to 12g applications only and therefore was not suitable for agricultural operations, which require equipment capable of withstanding 25g loads.
The following factor was considered relevant to the development of the accident:
1. The pilot did not see or avoid the powerline.

Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Sitka: 1 killed

Date & Time: Aug 18, 1988 at 0620 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

N64398

Flight Phase:

Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Mountains

Schedule:

Sitka - Rowan Bay

MSN:

251

YOM:

1952

Location:

Sitka

Alaska

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

3300

Captain / Total hours on type:

700.00

Aircraft flight hours:

13985

Circumstances:

While on a flight from Sitka to Rowan Bay, Alaska, the pilot flew up a valley intending to cross a pass whose elevation was 2,745 feet msl. Upon approaching the pass the pilot encountered clouds which prevented his transit. The pilot then executed a 180° right course reversal and at some point near the completion of the maneuver and in close proximity to the steep terrain along the western edge of the pass the pilot allowed the aircraft to enter a stall condition. The aircraft impacted the 40° sloped terrain in a steep nose down, near wings level attitude and with a steep flight path. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: maneuvering - turn to reverse direction
Findings
1. (c) weather evaluation - inadequate - pilot in command
2. (c) in-flight planning/decision - delayed - pilot in command
3. (f) weather condition - clouds
4. (c) stall - inadvertent - pilot in command
5. (f) terrain condition - mountainous/hilly
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled

Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Ahmic Lake

Date & Time: Jul 3, 1988

Type of aircraft:

Landing (descent or approach)

Operator:

Registration:

C-FPSM

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Training

Survivors:

Yes

Site:

Lake, Sea, Ocean, River

MSN:

1525TB1

YOM:

1963

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total hours on type:

6.00

Circumstances:

The pilot had successfully completed 10 or 12 landings in other parts of the large lake. He flew the aircraft to the southeast end of the lake and carried out a successful touch-and-go landing and initiated another circuit and approach to land in the same area. Following touchdown, the right outer wing struck the water, and the aircraft nosed over and began to sink. The pilot was able to escape from the aircraft before it submerged. The pilot held a valid Airline Transport Pilot Licence and was acquiring solo time in order to obtain a float endorsement. He had completed 6.1 hours of time on the aircraft, 3.1 of this solo time. The pilot had not reported any difficulty with the previous landings; prior to this touchdown, he had to adjust his approach slightly to the right of his intended landing path to avoid water traffic. The pilot reported that the wind was blowing from about 330° at 5 to 10 knots which would have resulted in a 20° crosswind from the right of his landing path. Weather observations taken at Muskoka Airport and North Bay Airport at about the time of the occurrence reported the wind direction and speed to be 280° true at 10 gusting to 15 knots and 240° at nine knots respectively. Ahmic Lake is equidistant from these two airports, that is about 35 miles from each. Using these reported winds, this would result in a crosswind component of between 30 and 70° from the left. Damage to the aircraft's right wing and float suggested that, on touchdown, the aircraft may have been drifting to the right, resulting in the right float ploughing into the water, followed by the right wing striking the surface of the lake. Careful examination of the damaged right float confirmed that there was no evidence of collision with a floating or submerged object. The float bow had been driven upwards and inwards, resulting in overload failures in the float structure ahead of the spreader strut attachments. This damage pattern is consistent with that which would result from hydrodynamic forces acting on the float structure at touchdown with the aircraft in in a slightly nose-down attitude and drifting to the right. Damage to the right wing was also due to water impact. All float attach brackets and struts had failed under overload conditions when the aircraft nosed over. The pilot had limited experience on float-equipped aircraft and may not have recognized drift or wind direction prior to touchdown. The lake was large enough for an into wind landing. No faults were found in the aircraft's control systems or float structure which would have contributed to the accident. The damage pattern indicated that the aircraft touched down in a slightly nose-down attitude, drifting to the right. Hydrodynamic forces acting on the right float following touchdown resulted in the right outer wing striking the water. The aircraft, as a result, nosed over and sank.
Source: www.dhc-2.com

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Chugiak: 1 killed

Date & Time: Jun 10, 1988 at 1356 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Pete E. Bloomfield

Registration:

N48108

Flight Phase:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Flight Type:

Private

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Chugiak - Anchorage

MSN:

781

YOM:

1955

Location:

Chugiak

Alaska

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

7500

Circumstances:

The pilot-in-command, a certified mechanic, performed his own maintenance on the aircraft. This maintenance required the removal, reinstallation and rigging of the ailerons. As the pilot was taking off on the first flight after maintenance, the aircraft entered a roll after lift-off and crashed. The pilot, sole on board, was killed. An investigation revealed the controls to the left aileron were connected in reverse.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) flight control, aileron - improper
2. (c) maintenance, installation - improper - company/operator management
3. (c) aircraft preflight - improper - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: takeoff

Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Anchorage: 1 killed

Date & Time: May 20, 1988 at 2121 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Anglers Island Lodge

Registration:

N1435Z

Flight Phase:

Airport (less than 10 km from airport)

Flight Type:

Test

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Anchorage - Anchorage

MSN:

1252

YOM:

1959

Location:

Anchorage-Lake Hood

Alaska

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

3000

Aircraft flight hours:

12737

Circumstances:

The airplane had undergone extensive maintenance which included work on the control column. The upper half of the control column was replaced with a throw-over yoke and the aileron system was rerigged. The pilot-in-command picked up the airplane after it was tied down outside for three months. According to a witness, the airplane lifted off the water and started a left bank which increased until the airplane struck the ground. Post accident examination revealed the control cables at the base of the control column operated in reverse of the description in the maintenance manual. Complete control continuity could not be concluded because of the extensive post impact fire which destroyed the overhead bellcrank, pulley, and interconnect system. The pilot, sole on board, was killed.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of control - in flight
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) flt control syst, aileron control - incorrect
2. (c) maintenance, major repair - improper - other maintenance personnel
3. (c) aircraft preflight - inadequate - pilot in command
----------
Occurrence #2: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent - uncontrolled

Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Powell Lake: 2 killed

Date & Time: Jul 25, 1987

Type of aircraft:

Landing (descent or approach)

Operator:

Shebandowan Air

Registration:

C-GMPE

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Charter/Taxi (Non Scheduled Revenue Flight)

Survivors:

Site:

Plain, Valley

MSN:

620

YOM:

1954

Location:

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Circumstances:

On approach to Powell Lake, the single engine airplane struck tree tops and crashed. Company owner and pilot Bryan Wylie and Operations Manager David Roban were killed in the accident.

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver in Sedro-Woolley

Date & Time: Jun 8, 1987 at 1203 LT

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

James B. Hayton

Registration:

N64384

Flight Phase:

Flight Type:

Survivors:

Site:

Schedule:

Sedro-Woolley - Renton

MSN:

622

YOM:

1954

Location:

Sedro-Woolley

Washington

Country:

Region:

Crew on board:

Crew fatalities:

Pax on board:

Pax fatalities:

Other fatalities:

Total fatalities:

Captain / Total flying hours:

24000

Captain / Total hours on type:

127.00

Aircraft flight hours:

16008

Circumstances:

Shortly after takeoff a loss of power occurred and the aircraft struck trees in flight. Less than 1/2 fuel was available in all three fuel tanks. The fuel selector valve was tested and found that the selections plate was indexed off center for all selections due to wear. In the takeoff attitude unporting occurred allowing air to be drawn into the system. The pilot escaped with minor injuries.

Probable cause:

Occurrence #1: loss of engine power (partial) - mech failure/malf
Phase of operation: takeoff - initial climb
Findings
1. (c) fuel system, selector/valve - worn
2. (c) fluid, fuel - starvation
----------
Occurrence #2: forced landing
Phase of operation: descent - emergency
----------
Occurrence #3: in flight collision with terrain/water
Phase of operation: descent
Findings
3. (f) terrain condition - high obstruction(s)
4. (c) clearance - not possible

Final Report:

Crash of a De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver near Walcha: 1 killed

Date & Time: Dec 22, 1986

Type of aircraft:

Operator:

Registration:

VH-AAY

Flight Phase: